Summer Trail Closures

A temporary emergency closure is in effect for the Goldstrike Canyon and Arizona Hot Spring trails within Lake Mead National Recreation Area. A similar closure was put in place during the summer of 2014 after public safety incidents doubled from 2013. This year, rangers have conducted 14 search and rescues on the two trails, including five within the past week. “People are miscalculating their ability to hike these strenuous trails in the summer, and it’s not only endangering their lives, it’s endangering the lives of other visitors and rescue crews,” said Patrick Gubbins, acting superintendent, Lake Mead National Recreation Area. “These areas will re-open in the fall, when temperatures are cooler.” During the closure, visitors can still access the popular hot springs via the Colorado River. Goldstrike Canyon Trail is located on both National Park Service and Bureau of Reclamation managed lands, and the agencies are working in partnership on this closure. It will remain in effect until Sept. 8. Hiking is discouraged during the summer months. Those who choose to hike are encouraged to follow summer safety tips found online at http://www.nps.gov/lake/planyourvisit/summer-hiking.htm.